Mountain Ribbonwood Hoheria lyallii

👤 Non-toxic to humans

🐾 Non-toxic to pets

🌸 Blooming

🍪 Not edible

‍🌱 Hard-care

ABOUT

Hoheria lyallii is commonly known as the mountain ribbonwood or the lowland ribbonwood. This plant is characterized by its striking foliage and graceful form. The leaves of the mountain ribbonwood are distinctive; they are pointed and somewhat serrated along the edges, giving them a slightly jagged appearance from afar. The leaves usually have an appealing green hue that can add lushness to the landscape. During the flowering season, the mountain ribbonwood produces masses of white flowers that are small and star-shaped, creating a delicate and frothy appearance. These flowers often grow in clusters, contributing to the aesthetic charm of the plant. They are quite fragrant and can attract various pollinators to your garden. The mountain ribbonwood also features smooth bark that can peel in ribbon-like strips, hence the name 'ribbonwood'. As the plant matures, the bark may become more textured. This textural change adds to the visual interest of the shrub. Overall, the mountain ribbonwood is valued for its ornamental leaves, attractive bark, and bountiful clusters of fragrant white flowers, making it a beloved choice for both formal and informal garden settings.

Plant Info

Care

Common Problems

About this plant

Names
- Family
  Malvaceae
- Synonyms
  Mountain Lacebark, Mountain Ribbonwood, Lowland Ribbonwood
- Common names
  Hoheria lyallii.
Toxicity
- To humans
  Mountain Ribbonwood is not widely known for being toxic to humans. There is limited information regarding its toxicity, and it is not typically listed among plants that cause poisoning when ingested. As with many plants, there may be individual cases of sensitivity or allergic reaction, but overall there is no well-documented evidence to suggest that Mountain Ribbonwood poses a significant threat to human health.
- To pets
  Mountain Ribbonwood is not specifically documented to be toxic to pets. This plant is not commonly listed among those that are known to cause harm to animals such as cats and dogs. However, it is always best to prevent pets from ingesting plants, as there may be individual variances in reaction or undiagnosed toxicities. Without clear evidence of toxicity, it is reasonable to consider Mountain Ribbonwood as having low risk to pets, but caution should still be exercised.
Characteristics
- Life cycle
  Perennials
- Foliage type
  Evergreen
- Color of leaves
  Green
- Flower color
  White
- Height
  20-30 feet (6-9 meters)
- Spread
  10-15 feet (3-4.5 meters)
- Plant type
  Tree
- Hardiness zones
  8
- Native area
  New Zealand

Benefits

General Benefits
- Ornamental Value: Hoheria lyallii, commonly known as mountain ribbonwood, is valued for its attractive foliage and delicate white flowers, making it a popular choice for ornamental use in gardens and parks.
- Habitat for Wildlife: The plant provides habitat and food for a variety of wildlife, including birds and insects, which feed on its nectar-rich flowers.
- Shelter: Mountain ribbonwood can grow into a large shrub or small tree, offering shelter and protection to both fauna and other plants under its canopy.
- Erosion Control: With its robust root system, Hoheria lyallii helps stabilize soil and control erosion on slopes and banks.
- Privacy Screening: The dense growth habit of mountain ribbonwood allows it to be used as a hedge or screen for increased privacy and sound insulation.
- Windbreak: When planted in rows, Hoheria lyallii can act as an effective windbreak, protecting other plants and reducing wind erosion.
- Restoration Projects: Mountain ribbonwood is often used in reforestation and ecological restoration projects, as it is a native species in New Zealand and adapts well to local conditions.
- Wood Uses: The wood of Hoheria lyallii is sometimes used in crafting and for making small wooden items, though this is not its primary benefit.
- Seasonal Interest: Its spring flowers and autumn foliage provide seasonal interest and variation in the landscape.
Medical Properties
This plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying Qualities
This plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses
- The wood of the mountain ribbonwood can be used in woodworking projects, especially for crafting small objects such as inlays and turned items due to its fine grain.
- The bark of the mountain ribbonwood has historically been used for fiber in traditional Maori textiles, taking advantage of its strength and flexibility.
- Young stems and branches can be used in basketry, either as structural supports or as decorative elements woven into the design.
- Mountain ribbonwood is utilized as a hedging plant in rural and urban landscaping owing to its dense foliage and fast growth rate.
- The plant can be incorporated into erosion control schemes, especially in New Zealand, its native region, where its root systems help stabilize soil on slopes.
- Mountain ribbonwood's flowers can be a source of nectar for local honey production when other popular nectar-producing plants are not in bloom.
- The timber may be utilized for the construction of small marine crafts, as it is reportedly resistant to rot when seasoned properly.
- The dense canopy formed by these trees offers a habitat for native birds and insects, playing a role in local biodiversity conservation efforts.
- Mountain ribbonwood can be pruned and shaped into topiary forms, making it a versatile ornamental for gardens that favor structured plant shapes.
- Particularly resilient specimens may be used in bonsai culture, adapting to the restricted growth conditions and rigorous shaping involved in this art form.

Interesting Facts

Feng Shui
The Mountain Ribbonwood is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign Compitability
The Mountain Ribbonwood is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism
- Resilience: Hoheria lyallii, also known as Mountain Ribbonwood, commonly grows in challenging mountainous environments, symbolizing the ability to thrive despite difficulties.
- Purity: The plant's white flowers are often associated with purity and innocence.
- Adaptability: As Mountain Ribbonwood can adapt to various soil types and conditions, it represents the ability to adjust and be versatile in life.
- Growth: The fast-growing nature of the plant signifies personal growth and development.
- Protection: Mountain Ribbonwood has a sturdy nature, symbolizing protection and shelter.

💧

Every 1-2 weeks

Water

☀️

2500 - 10000 Lux

Light

💦️

Humidity

🪴

Every 2-3 years

Repotting

🌱️

Spring-summer

Propogation

✂️️

As needed

Pruning

Water
The Mountain Ribbonwood should be watered regularly to maintain moist soil, particularly during the growing season in spring and summer. Young plants require consistent moisture, so water them once or twice a week, providing about 1 to 2 gallons per plant depending on the weather conditions and soil drainage. Mature Mountain Ribbonwood trees are more drought tolerant and can be watered less frequently; once every two weeks should be sufficient with approximately 2 to 3 gallons of water per session. Adjust the watering schedule during the winter months when the plant is dormant, and water only when the topsoil feels dry to the touch. Over-watering can lead to root rot, so it is crucial to ensure good drainage.
Light
The Mountain Ribbonwood thrives in full sun to partial shade. It performs best when it receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. A spot that offers morning sunlight with some afternoon shade is ideal to prevent leaf scorch in areas with very hot summers. Avoid deep shade as it may inhibit the growth and flowering of the plant.
Temperature
The Mountain Ribbonwood can tolerate a range of temperature conditions but prefers moderate climates. It can withstand brief cold snaps down to about 20 degrees Fahrenheit but is happiest when the temperature stays between 50 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. In regions where temperatures regularly drop below freezing, it is important to provide protection to prevent frost damage.
Pruning
Pruning the Mountain Ribbonwood is done to maintain shape, remove dead or diseased wood, and to encourage new growth. Pruning is best performed in late winter or early spring before new growth starts. Annually inspect the tree and selectively prune any branches that detract from the overall form of the plant. During the growing season, light trimming can be done to keep the tree tidy.
Cleaning
As needed
Soil
The best soil mix for the Mountain Ribbonwood is well-draining with abundant organic matter, ideal pH ranging between 5.5 and 6.5.
Repotting
The Mountain Ribbonwood should be repotted every 2-3 years to encourage healthy growth and replenish nutrients.
Humidity & Misting
Mountain Ribbonwood prefers moderate to high humidity levels, ensuring its foliage remains lush and healthy.
Suitable locations
- Indoor
  Place in bright, indirect light and ensure high humidity for indoor Mountain Ribbonwood growth.
- Outdoor
  Plant in well-drained soil, partial shade, and shelter from strong winds for outdoor Mountain Ribbonwood.
- Hardiness zone
  8-11 USDA
Life cycle
Hoheria lyallii, commonly known as Mountain Ribbonwood, begins its life cycle as a seed, typically dispersed by wind due to its small, winged nature. Upon finding suitable moist soil, the seed germinates, and a seedling emerges, characterized by its toothed, heart-shaped leaves. As it enters the juvenile phase, the plant develops a small, shrubby form with distinctive, deeply lobed leaves; it may remain in this stage for several years. Transitioning to its adult phase, Mountain Ribbonwood grows rapidly into a small tree up to 6 meters high, with smooth, straight trunks and a branching pattern that results in a rounded canopy adorned with lanceolate leaves. It blooms in late summer to autumn, producing fragrant, white blooms that attract pollinators and result in the formation of small, woody capsules containing numerous seeds. The plant completes its cycle when these seeds mature, are released from the capsules, and are distributed to start new plants, while the mature tree may live for several decades.
Propogation
- Propogation time
  Spring-summer
- Propogation: The most popular method of propagation for Hoheria lyallii, commonly known as the Mountain Ribbonwood, is through semi-hardwood cuttings. This technique is often deployed in the late summer after the new growth has begun to mature and harden slightly. Cuttings of about 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 centimeters) are snipped from healthy, disease-free branches. They should include several leaf nodes, as these are areas from which roots are more likely to develop. The lower leaves are stripped off, and the cutting is dipped in a rooting hormone to encourage root growth before being planted in a well-draining rooting medium. The cuttings are then kept in a humid environment with indirect sunlight until roots are well established, which can take several weeks to a few months.